Best new openings 2016

1. Her Upstairs

Performer HERR at Her Upstairs. Photo: LBTMIn an age of LGBT bar closures, this intimate drag venue, with its hilarious, lippy performers, is all the more welcome. Read our full review here. 18 Kentish Town Rd NW5

2. Arbour Café

Arbour Cafe feels exotic even at this time of year.This sun-trap greenhouse, packed with palms and ferns, is a top choice for superior coffee and toasties. Read our review here. Boma garden store, 51-53 Islip St NW5

5. Lord Southampton The new managers of this lovely traditional Gospel Oak pub, where Karl Marx used to drink, have painted the exterior an ugly red-and-black, and revamped it as a tacky backpacker hostel.